GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) has confirmed that, due to insurmountable issues regarding formulation, development of brecanavir, an investigational protease inhibitor for the treatment of HIV, has been discontinued. Brecanavir was in phase II clinical development.

Clinical trial investigators have been notified and directed to transition their patients to marketed anti retrovirals, or appropriate treatments available through expanded access programmes.

"GSK is dedicated to excellence in the care of individuals with HIV infection, and we will continue our efforts to find effective treatments with improved resistance profiles for these patients," said Lynn Marks, MD, senior vice president, GSK Medicine Development Centre for Infectious Diseases. "Despite this disappointing outcome with brecanavir, we remain unwavering in our commitment to find new solutions to meet the challenges of HIV/AIDS."

GSK is the one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The company is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.